A Fijian conservationist with more than 30 years of experience in environmental management has been appointed to head the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Oceania Regional Office.
Susana Lomani Waqainabete-Tuisese will take up the role of regional director at the Suva-based office, at a time when Pacific Island nations are accelerating efforts to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and advance sustainable development.
In announcing the appointment, IUCN said Ms Waqainabete-Tuisese’s selection underscored the organisation’s commitment to Pacific-led leadership and the strengthening of regional partnerships.
Ms Waqainabete-Tuisese previously served as vice president and senior director for the Pacific Islands Ocean Programme at Conservation International, where she led strategy development and partnerships across several Pacific countries.
She has also served as Fiji Country Programme Director for the same organisation and earlier held the role of Conservator of Forests with the Ministry of Forestry. Her background also includes work in Fiji’s pine industry.
IUCN Director–General Dr Grethel Aguilar welcomed the appointment, saying Ms Waqainabete-Tuisese brings deep regional knowledge and strategic leadership to the role.
“Under her leadership, I am confident that IUCN Oceania will continue to strengthen collaboration with our members, governments and partners,” Dr Aguilar said.
Ms Waqainabete-Tuisese said she was honoured to join IUCN and looked forward to working closely with members, partners, and communities across the region.
